Rise of the Underdogs: KADEN

Run-in With Mom

When I pulled up to my apartment complex in town, I noticed Mom waiting outside my building. She rarely made trips into town without a specific purpose, and she never lingered longer than absolutely necessary. The moment she spotted me, she pushed herself away from the wall next to the main entrance, clearly intent on addressing whatever had brought her here.

Her long, dark hair hung loose around her shoulders, cascading down her back in soft chestnut waves. Her eyes—deep, sorrowful hazel brown—regarded me with the same piercing scrutiny she reserved for court invitations. As she crossed her arms and arched an eyebrow, her stance made it clear she expected answers, as if I owed her money. “Well?” she prompted, cutting straight to the point.

The streetlights overhead emitted a steady, electric hum, their aged bulbs casting a muted yellow wash over the quiet street. The soft, buttery light spilled across the pavement and sidewalks, softening the edges of the approaching night. At this hour, the roads were nearly deserted, amplifying the sense of calm that settled over the neighbourhood.

“You’re going to have to be more specific, Mother.” I answered. After locking my truck, I let out a sigh and turned to face her. Like me, she was Black. Unlike my paler, milk chocolate complexion, her skin was a luminously soft, chocolate brown. An attribute that had apparently transformed my father into a complete simp. “I assume this visit is about one of three things: how my date went, when you’ll get to meet her, or what happened at the restaurant. And, if I’m honest, it’s probably all three.”

She shook her head, a knowing look settling on her face. “Between you and Dre, nothing ever surprises me, baby. Simon called to let us know you had an encounter. Commissioner Dane—Grand Alpha Henry to us—is already working on the problem. You’re grinning like you’ve finally managed to beat your brother at a game, so I can tell the date went well enough. Even with you having to deal with a tail.”

My grin widened at the thought. “So, with all that said, it seems like the only thing left to do is schedule an actual family dinner. Just the immediate fam-jam—me, you, Dad, Dre, Leif, Akita, and her five siblings.” The idea of gathering everyone together for a meal brought a mix of anticipation and amusement. Our family dinners were always lively, and with Akita’s siblings being tossed into the mix, it promised to be even more eventful.

She let out a dramatic sigh, shaking her head in sympathy. “Oh dear. That poor girl. Living with all that testosterone? Goddess, that child must be on edge all the time,” she lamented. “May the Gods give her patience, because she’s going to need it with you.” Though her tone was teasing, I knew she genuinely felt for Akita. She genuinely recognized the challenge it was to navigate life in such a bustling, male-dominated household.

Wait. Hold up. What was that about me?

“Mom!” I squawked.

“Don’t argue with me, Kaden. Now, when do I get to officially meet my daughter-in-law?” My mother’s tone held that familiar mix of firmness and anticipation, making it clear she would not be swayed. The question hung between us, her intent gaze signalling she expected a serious answer.

I couldn’t help but think that, sometimes, it seemed like my family adored my Mate even more than they cared for me. Rationally, I knew that wasn’t the case—but it certainly felt that way more often than not.

‘Ma seems… fascinated.’

“Malachite says you’re enthralled,” I ventured aloud, keeping a close eye on her expression. It wasn’t exactly what he’d said, but I enjoyed swapping in synonyms just to see if anyone would catch on to my little word games. Sometimes, I liked to showcase just how clever I could be.

A calculated smile tugged at the corners of my mother’s lips as she regarded me, her eyes reflecting a spark of curiosity. “When do I get to meet her?” she repeated, her patience thinning but her excitement undiminished.

“Next week,” I promised. “She’s in school, so the only time I’m willing to intrude on her learning is the weekends. That way, I avoid getting razed by her brothers. All of whom are older, but the youngest two are my age.”

A proud, satisfied look settled on her features as she nodded in approval. “I knew I raised my boys right. Respectful and responsible. Good. That means I don’t have to maim you for that precious girl.” The warmth in her tone was unmistakable, laced with equal measures of affection and playful warning.

Her words, though light-hearted, carried the underlying message that she expected nothing less than the utmost consideration and care toward Akita. It was her way of saying she trusted me, but wouldn’t hesitate to intervene if that trust was ever broken. The moment felt significant, a brief but clear reminder of the standards she held for our family.

I blinked in disbelief, trying to process my own mother’s threat—was she genuinely considering maiming me? It was hard to find the logic in that, but then again, logic rarely had a place in family dramatics.

‘She hasn’t threatened to turn us into Werewolf Stew and serve us to Akita’s family,’ Malachite noted dryly in my mind. Just to keep things lively, he added, ‘Yet.’

‘Fair.’

“I’ll make sure the staff at the mansion know to expect you. Send me the details when you get it sorted, baby. Mama got your back,” she assured me. With that, she strode towards the sleek black Audi waiting by the curb, pausing just before she got in.

She turned back, opening her arms wide. I didn’t hesitate.

There was nothing like a Mama hug. I rushed forward, grateful for her warmth. She pulled me close, rubbing my back in that soothing way only she could. “Be brave, baby. The world is full of hatred, but you and your brother are my light. Don’t you ever back down. Ever. Hear me?”

“Yes, Mother,” I replied, breathing in her familiar scent, crisp and fresh like a spring meadow. “I’ll get the details tomorrow, which will give you a few days to get everything prepared for the visit.”

“I’m so proud of you, Kaden,” she murmured. “You’ve gotten so strong and sure-footed. Go get some rest, okay? I love you.”

Don’t cry. Don’t cry. Don’t cry.

Damn it! Big boys don’t cry!

‘And yet you’re a blubbering mess.’ Malachite’s voice echoed in my mind, his words laced with that trademark dry wit of his. I bristled at the teasing, wishing he could have picked literally any other moment. His sense of humour really did have the worst timing.

Here I was, fighting back tears, and he just couldn’t help himself. It was almost as if he wanted to cut through the emotion with a jab, reminding me not to get too lost in the moment. Still, I couldn’t help but feel fond of him, even if his commentary was the last thing I needed right now.

“I love you too, Momma,” I said softly, my voice thick with emotion. I glanced towards the driver’s seat, offering a grateful smile to the man behind the wheel. “Greg, please make sure she gets home safe.”

Greg met my gaze with unwavering sincerity. “Of course, Prince Kaden. Anything less is an assault and an insult to the crown. Blessed evening, Sir.”

I nodded in appreciation, my heart full. “Blessed evening, Greg.”

Making my way up to my apartment, I locked the door behind myself and sighed heavily. Grabbing my phone, I called the one person I knew would give as good as he got. I just hoped Dreson was awake.

“Talk to me.”

“Help,” I lamented. “Mom subjugated me into confessing when she can meet Akita formally. None of her sibs have, you know, royal training and I don’t want to put them on the spot.”

Dreson went quiet. “Is that your only worry?”

Tilting my head to the side, I scowled. Sitting on my bed, I sifted through the conversation. “Who?”

“Some bastard from Wales that wants my man.” Oh, yes. My brother was pissed and looking for an excuse to let loose.

“When do you need me?” I asked, already setting my problems to the side to figure out later

I could hear the rumble of his car, and I knew that something was wrong. He should be home. He should be cuddling with his man, and taking some time to relax while our parents had the kids. But no, he was driving.

His voice was tight. His anger obvious. Yet, for some reason, there was heartbreak in his tone. “Tomorrow morning. I know he doesn’t want Mom finding out too soon, so I need my brother. I need the one person not scared to set fire to the rain if he has to just to protect my family. Can I count on you?”

“Always,” I answered. “Dre, what did you do?”

“I messed up, K,” he sobbed. His voice breaking, he said, “I messed everything up so f*****g bad and I don’t know how to fix it.”

“Dre, I’m not going to judge without all the facts in front of me. What. Did. You. Do?”

Again, he sobbed, broken and fragile. “I hit him. I didn’t mean to, but he was going to leave, and he wasn’t listening to reason. Gods, K, I hit him. I swore I would never do that, and I broke my word.”

“Stop driving, pull over, and park that damn car, Dreson! Don’t you f*****g move until I get to you.”

“Kaden…”

Tears burned my eyes. Not for me, but for my brother. The man who always seemed so unbreakable. “No, you listen. I know you. You’re going to Mom and Dad’s. Do not go alone. I’ll be there soon, just… please just park and stay where you are.”

“Okay,” he breathed. “I’m at the Seven-Eleven halfway between my manor and the mansion.”

“I’m coming to you, big brother. We’ll figure this out the way we always do.”

Another shuddering breath, “Thanks, K. I love you.”

“Love you more, Dre.”